In short: ENJOYABLEIn full: ORGANISATION: Everything arrived ok pre race. Car parking organised but in a very wet field with lots of car wheels spinning and no-one willing to help!

RACE: Start very narrow, zone markers for predicted finish time. Took over a minute to cross start line and with no chip timimg, could put your PB in jeopardy, otherwise a cracking route didnt even notice the uphill start amongst the crowds, rest of the race appeared to be all downhill, fantastic donhill finish with lots of spectators.

VALUE: Good - entry, medal, water/squash at finish. No goody bags or t-shirt (extra). Personally i prefer the optional price for t-shirt as have too many anyway and chose not to buy. Dont want a medal either would prefer that as an optional extra.

OVERALL: Will probably come back again next year, lovely scenic course and good value.Date of review: September 12, 2011

In short: Superb race in a great atmosphereIn full: The setting is fantastic. Car parking was very efficient, the course well marked and water stations faultless. The race was run in a good spirit, and after the first couple of miles the course was downhill - what more could you want? Date of review: September 11, 2011

In short: Fantastic, friendly race in wonderful sceneryIn full: This was everything I hoped it would be after hearing rave reviews over the last few years. The weather was good and organisation efficient - especially bearing in mind how far out in the sticks it is. Coming up the pass from Dinas Mawddwy (from Machynlleth) makes for a special trip to the lake, and the start area (and avoids any traffic).

For those that feel a little let down, as some seem to, the brochure makes it very clear that this is no mega-event, just a locally organised run among some great scenery. If you accept this, then this race will delight.Date of review: September 11, 2011

In short: Utterly wonderfulIn full: I'm shaking my head at the "goody bag whingers" and assorted other remarks, if you don't think ths race is very special then I'm afraid you have no soul. This covers the 2009 and 2010 races.Date of review: September 17, 2010

In short: Undoutably a great race but . . .In full: in comparison to the races I categorise as must do races falls a bit short . . .and there are a few 'must do races' in North Wales.Date of review: September 17, 2010

Been looking forward to doing this for ages and it was a nice run. The start was tough with very little space on the narrow lane where we were stood in blazing sunshine as the race was delayed for a good 10 minutes which wasn`t fun. A 1pm start and still delayed?! Disappointing. I got bumped and banged over the first stretch and someone trod on the heel of my shoe and then he fell over heavily. First mile is all uphill to the dam and the first half was nicely shaded under the trees.

On the way back there was little cover and the afternoon sun was surprisingly strong which seemed to cause a few casualties. Ambulances and other runners were keen to help though.

The goody bag was a real disappointment. A big plastic asics carrier bag with a cereal bar, an asics pen and an asics leaflet! We did get a medal though but it still seems stingey for the cost of the race. Allegedly, early runners got squash and jelly babies - ? T-shirts were available but I think they were £9.

I enjoyed my run, got a pleasing time but it didn`t quite measure up to the amazing reviews I`d read before entering.